Chapter 753 - Coronation of the New King

When Aoki looked around again, he found that they were not far from Lake Valor, needing only to walk a little further to reach its shores.

In just one day, they had rushed to Lake Valor, a testament to the intensity of their earlier battles. Not only that, but Aoki also noticed that after his psychic powers had broken through, the heavy pressure in his heart had lifted, and the irritability caused by the dormant system had smoothed away. His mind had returned to its original calm state, freeing him from the shadow of over-reliance on the system.

It was unclear whether the psychic upgrade had helped Aoki or if the events themselves had triggered the improvement. Regardless, Aoki was now ravenous. Without delay, he set up a cooking station and began preparing dinner. His Pokémon, relying on their own instincts and the last of their strength, assisted in making a hearty meal. They were all exhausted.

After eating, Aoki didn't push his Pokémon into training, granting them a brief respite. The prolonged and intense battles, though draining, had greatly sharpened their abilities. Their mastery of moves, energy control, and overall strength had seen significant growth.

Without delving too deeply into analyzing their improvements, Aoki led his Pokémon toward Lake Valor after a short rest. Since they were so close, he wanted to see the legendary lake for himself.

Passing through a final stretch of forest, they arrived at the vast, shimmering expanse of Lake Valor—home to the legendary being, Mesprit.

However, Mesprit did not physically reside within the lake. Instead, Lake Valor served as an entrance to another realm where the Lake Trio dwelled. Even if someone were to drain the entire lake, they would find no trace of Mesprit.

In fact, Team Galactic had once attempted this very folly, using a massive explosive device called the Galactic Bomb in an effort to blast away the lake's waters. Unsurprisingly, they found nothing.

Aoki settled by the lakeshore with his Pokémon, gazing at the reflection of the stars and moon upon the water's surface. It was as though two worlds existed—one above, one below—and Aoki sat between them.

Lying back on the grass, Aoki felt an unusual peace. His Pokémon rested beside him, equally at ease, their eyes tracing the constellations above. If not for the conflicts that plagued the Pokémon world, moments like these—quiet evenings spent with trusted companions—would be perfect.

After their meal, the Pokémon felt rejuvenated, their exhaustion from the day's battles fading. True relaxation, however, came not just from physical rest but from mental tranquility.

Aoki, enveloped in this serenity, slowly closed his eyes and drifted into sleep.

The night passed undisturbed. Aoki did not enter any alternate dimensions, nor did he assign any Pokémon to keep watch. Yet, no wild Pokémon attacked them.

He did not wake naturally. Instead, a light pattering of rain against his face roused him.

Blinking awake, Aoki saw that dawn had broken, though a thin layer of clouds obscured the sun. Wiping the droplets from his face, he sat up.

Sleeping by the lake had left his clothes damp from the heavy humidity, but he felt no discomfort.

He realized he hadn't been the first to wake. Poliwhirl stood at the water's edge, motionless, staring into the lake—or perhaps at the Pokémon surfacing to breathe in the rain.

Approaching quietly, Aoki placed a hand on Poliwhirl's head.

"Thinking about your days in the wild?" he asked. His heightened psychic sensitivity gave him an uncanny intuition, though he had no real evidence.

"Poli…" Poliwhirl nodded, not denying it.

Once, Poliwhirl had lived much like the Pokémon in this lake—carefree, surrounded by friends. Though his old home had been smaller than Lake Valor, those memories were fond.

Before Aoki could respond, Poliwhirl shook his head. He wasn't dwelling on the past. He had a Trainer who cared for him and teammates who supported one another.

Aoki smiled, turning his gaze back to the lake.

"Evolve, Poliwhirl."

The words came naturally, as if this were the perfect moment.

"Pol?" Poliwhirl looked at him in surprise.

Aoki kept his eyes on the water. "You're ready. There might even be a surprise waiting for you after evolution."

He could see Poliwag and Poliwhirl playing in the lake, along with Water-types. A theory formed in his mind.

Seeing Aoki's confidence, Poliwhirl's expression hardened with resolve. He gave a firm nod.

Satisfied, Aoki retrieved two items from his bag: a talent enhancer and a King's Rock.

Poliwhirl's eyes locked onto the King's Rock, instinctively drawn to it.

"Take this first," Aoki said, handing him the Ability Capsule.

Poliwhirl swallowed the bitter liquid, feeling energy surge through his body.

The other Pokémon, now awake, watched in anticipation. Another teammate was about to evolve.

As if sensing the shift, the lake's Pokémon emerged, their eyes fixed on Poliwhirl. Poliwag, Poliwhirl, and even a few Poliwrath surfaced, their presence almost ceremonial.

Aoki placed the King's Rock atop Poliwhirl's head.

The energy within him erupted, intertwining with the King's Rock's power before flooding back into his body.

A brilliant white light engulfed Poliwhirl.

"Poli!" "Wag!" "Wrath!"

The lake's Pokémon cried out in unison—a chorus of celebration.

They knew were witnessing the coronation of a new king.